Upcoming Slidell Mardi Gras Mural Offers Unique Opportunity

Lori Gomez is a local artist who specializes in French Quarter art. She draws inspiration from everything that Louisiana offers: great music, architecture, art, food and endless spirit. It's no wonder then that when Gomez got an opportunity to do a mural in Slidell, she would choose Mardi Gras as a theme.

"I love coming to Slidell during carnival season," said Gomez. "Whether you go to a day or night parade, it is very family oriented. I wanted to capture that feeling in a mural."

Several months ago, she presented her design board to the city's mural committee in Slidell. It was there that an idea was born - in order to raise money to help pay for the mural, Gomez would offer the public an opportunity to have their portrait painted as one of the riders for a fee of $250 per person. The city's all-volunteer mural committee embraced the idea.

Lori Gomez, Mardi Gras in Slidell Mural

"It is a chance to be included in a piece of artwork that will be around for a long time, that everyone will see," added Gomez.

She, along with artists Barbara Shaw and Carol Hallock, are scheduled to create each of their murals in conjunction with the city's upcoming Arts Evening and Whistle Stop Weekend, November 6-8.

Though the mural location has not yet been confirmed, it will be located somewhere in Olde Towne and would be one of four murals total that will be completed this year.

If you are interested in learning more about this or other murals in the works, call the Department of Cultural and Public Affairs at 985-646-4375.